The ground rules
- Long-form certificates that show parents’ names.
- An apostille on every foreign certificate, then a translation into Italian.
- Originals. London, for example, keeps them, so order extra copies.
- No self-declarations about other citizenships. The proof must come from the authorities.
For each generation
Your Italian parent or grandparent
- Italian birth certificate, from the town hall (comune) where they were born
- Marriage certificate, and death certificate if they have died
- Proof they held only Italian citizenship: an official record from each country they lived in showing they never became a citizen there
- Or, for the 2-year route, an Italian residence history certificate (certificato di residenza storico) showing 2 years in a row living in Italy before your birth
Your parent (if claiming through a grandparent)
- Long-form birth certificate, with apostille and translation
- Marriage certificate, and death certificate if applicable
You
- Long-form birth certificate, with apostille and translation
- Marriage certificate, if married
- Passport and proof of where you live
- The consulate’s own forms, some signed before a notary
- Proof of payment and your appointment confirmation
Proving your ancestor never naturalized
- United States: the consulates ask for records from US authorities. If your ancestor did naturalize, the naturalization certificate or court records (from the National Archives) show when, which also tells you whether this route is closed.
- Other countries: ask the national immigration or citizenship authority for a search of its naturalization records.
Where to order certificates
Italian records come from the town hall of the place of birth, marriage or death. For records from England and Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Ireland and the US, the certificate table on our Ireland page lists the offices and fees.